Despite the late summer time heatwave, The Henley Show was nonetheless widespread with a big selection of sights each new and old. In the Village this 12 months, there have been the 2 new occasions: axe throwing and archery. Both of those tempted folks to check their abilities, however it wasn’t all the time as simple because it seemed. Still many gave it a go.
The Henley Veterinary Practice had a commerce stand for the primary time and it was extremely popular with kids with plenty of interactive shows together with, discovering the international object in X-Rays, performing surgical procedure on a (toy!) canine to see what he may need mistakenly eaten, practising bandaging, dressing up as a vet, and guessing the variety of canine treats within the jar, together with a particular visitor, a 106 12 months old tortoise. Veterinary Surgeon, Helen Hanley, mentioned “We are soon launching pet health care plans. These are monthly payment scheme which covers all vaccinations, all consultations, flea, tick and worm treatment as well as a discount on other services.”
Other animal sights included the very enjoyable, Sheepdog and Duck present which induced numerous pleasure (particularly because the geese and canine didn’t all the time keep within the present ring), the Gamegoer Working Dog Demonstration, the Falconry Display and ferret racing. Unfortunately, it was too sizzling for the ferrets to race however kids nonetheless beloved seeing them of their playpen and so they had been allowed to pet them.
The widespread Aldabra tortoises had been again this 12 months and youngsters and adults alike loved becoming a member of them of their pen. The tortoises, initially from Aldabra Atoll within the Seychelles, are a few of the largest on this planet.
Show leaping was again this 12 months after it was cancelled final 12 months attributable to laborious floor and it drew a big crowd. Local Invesco worker, Jade Bennett, and her horse, Vamps did rather well who was competing for the primary time at Henley Show. She entered 4 courses. In the Rare and Foreign Breeds class she got here third, within the Ridden Working Hunter, fourth and got here first and acquired into the Championship and acquired reserve Champion. Jade mentioned, “I was gobsmacked, and I was so pleased for him because the day was such a challenge in terms of the heat. The ground wasn’t that brilliant – Henley had tried to make it as best as they can by spraying it with water every day and trying to aerate to at least make it comfortable for the horses to move on – but it ended up being the case that a lot of horses were slipping about. I made the decision to put studs in Vamps’ shoes (it’s a bit like having running spikes) to make it easier for him to grip the ground, and that obviously helped! So we ended up doing really well and overall having a really good day despite the weather!”
“I was really pleased with him. It was the first time doing any sort of showing for me, so I didn’t know what to expect. The judges were really kind and gave some good feedback as well. They said, he’s a lovely horse, you’re a very lucky girl, just get some help with showing. I appreciate that because it’s my first time and I’m just finding my feet with this. My jumping round said it all: as I finished I got a nice round of applause! Overall, it was a really good day.”
There was additionally the standard livestock competitions with many spectacular parades and exhibits of animals, together with sheep and cattle.
Sadly, the canine present was cancelled as a result of excessive warmth and likewise the poultry tent was additionally cancelled for the second 12 months in a row as a result of threat posed by Avian Flu. But there actually was a lot to see, together with the ever-popular fairground, heavy horse shows, numerous commerce stands promoting meals, crafts, artwork, jewelry, backyard furnishings, clothes and far more.
In the Produce Tent there was superb competitors, with some very spectacular produce. Tim Saint acquired first prize with a 500lb pumpkin and likewise a 100lb marrow. Tim mentioned, “I start growing them in April.” Not wanting to present away any secrets and techniques, he added “cow poo is very helpful.” The produce tent additionally displayed gorgeous flowers, scarecrows, muffins and probably the most disgusting sandwich competitors which was a lot beloved by kids (who all needed to have a go at creating their very own.)
Simmons and Sons, founding sponsors of the present had their common stand, which attracted a big gathering. Partner, Thomas Dunn, mentioned, “It has been quieter due to the heat, but we’ve still had a chance to meet with clients and people are enjoying the show.”
Chairman, Peter Webb, mentioned “I thank everyone who attends the show, our members and sponsors for without you we could not achieve our charitable objectives.” In his message he reminded us that the Henley and District Agricultural Association is a charity which “promotes the growing and improvement of crops and livestock.”
With the standard big selection of refreshments, everybody was in a position to calm down and re energise to get pleasure from all of the occasions. Throughout the showground there was leisure at each flip together with big speaking cows, wearing some fairly sparkly outfits, and likewise Magic Pike, a roaming magician who delighted crowds with card methods and mentalism.
As all the time, it was an amazing, household time out and whereas it was extraordinarily sizzling, the climate didn’t cease folks turning up and getting concerned, maybe with only a few additional ice lotions, alongside the best way.
